Fifth Third Bank international wire transfer: fees, rates and transfer time

Fifth Third Bank®¹ allows you to make international wire transfers into numerous foreign currencies. If you have either a checking or savings account with Fifth Third Bank, you can make an international wire transfer.

This guide will walk you through the fees and transfer times, and the steps to make a transfer at Fifth Third Bank. We’ll also touch on how you may be able to save even more if you use a service like Wise - a non-bank alternative provider which offers international transfers with the mid-market rate. More on that later.

What are the fees for an international money transfer with Fifth Third Bank in the US?

The table below lists the fee structure for international wire transfers for different types of Fifth Third Bank accounts.

Fifth Third Bank exchange rates

When you send money overseas, agencies use the exchange rate to figure out how much of the recipient currency will be transferred to the beneficiary’s country. While that may seem simple enough, the currency conversion process can sometimes be the highest cost of the entire transaction. It’s not unusual for banks to take an additional 4-6% of the amount you’re sending. That’s a lot.

If you need your recipient to receive a currency other than US dollars, then normally a correspondent or recipient bank makes the exchange. The exception is when you request for Fifth Third to convert your money first.

Regardless of who makes the currency conversion — Fifth Third or another bank — you should know that most banks and money service providers note in the small print that they don’t offer you the same exchange rate you find on Google. This rate can be called by a number of names — interbank rate, spot rate, wholesale rate, mid-market exchange rate. Regardless of what it’s called, though, the unfortunate news is that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get an exchange rate as good as the one you see on Google or XE if you send your money abroad through your bank.

There is an exception, however.

Non-bank alternative providers, like Wise, may use the mid-market exchange rate and split out the costs of the transfer transparently, to make it easier to see what you’re paying, compare your options, and find the best deal. More on that, next.

Everywhere money. Meet Wise: the world's most international account

If you’re not living in the US — or if you simply want a more flexible account you can open from anywhere — check out Wise.

Wise isn’t a bank, but a money service business (MSB) that offers an account which allows you to hold, send and receive money. As well as getting an attached debit card — plus you’ll get some extra perks which suit anyone living an international lifestyle.

You’ll be able to hold 40+ currencies, and get local account details for up to 9 currencies including USD, to get paid easily by wire or ACH.

Wise offers linked debit cards for spending and withdrawals around the world, and all currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate.

That means that whenever you send a payment or spend in a foreign currency your dollars are converted with the mid-market rate with low conversion fees from 0.41%. Easy.

This way to easy
international payments

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

How do you make an international bank transfer with Fifth Third Bank?

There are a few ways you can use Fifth Third to send your money abroad. One is conventional. One is not so conventional.

Option 1: Send money through Fifth Third in person

Fifth Third requires you to complete your international wire in person. Not the most convenient option for many of us. That also means if you’re currently outside of the US, you may be stuck.

Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Gather the information you’ll need for your recipient (more on that later)

Step 2. Find your nearest branch - use the online search tool if you aren’t sure where that is4

Step 3. Arrive in person at a Fifth Third branch and request an international wire transfer

Often when you make your first transfer with a provider like Wise, you could be asked to verify your identity with an ID, a proof of address, your transfer reason, or even your SSN*. It’s a similar process to opening a bank account in person - and an important step in keeping your account secure.

It also helps to know that when sending money through Wise you normally don’t need international banking details for your recipient. You’ll need local bank details - the same information they would give to someone inside their country for a domestic transfer. Which means you’re more likely to need the domestic equivalent of their SWIFT/BIC code.

If you’re going for cheap and online, the best option for you will likely be Bank Debit (ACH). If you’re looking for speed, the fastest option will be paying by debit/credit card if limits permit.

*Wise may request additional documents to verify a customer's identity

What information is needed for an international transfer through Fifth Third Bank?

If you’re sending money directly through Fifth Third Bank, then you’ll need to fill out a wire transfer request form, which can be picked up at any Fifth Third Bank branch.

If you’re sending money by connecting your Fifth Third account through Wise, you’ll need:

• Recipient’s full name (as it appears on their local bank account)
• Recipient’s address
• Recipient’s bank name and address
• Recipients local bank details (normally consisting of either an IBAN or an account number coupled with a sort code/routing number equivalent)

Receiving an international wire with Fifth Third Bank

To receive an international wire transfer through Fifth Third Bank, you need to have the following information ready:

If the sender uses Wise to send you money internationally, you’ll just need your local banking details. A

ll which you can find on your checkbook — your full name, your 9-digit ACH routing number, and your account number.

How long does an international bank transfer with Fifth Third bank take?

When making an international wire transfer through Fifth Third, ask your local branch when they expect the transfer to arrive in the recipient’s account. For a normal SWIFT transfer, the transaction may take anywhere from 1 to 5 days to get to your beneficiary’s bank account.

A lot depends on the recipient’s country and the number of correspondent banks that may be needed.

Fifth Third Bank contact information

• General contact information page

• Branch locator

Before you head out to Fifth Third to make your payment, check out the options for alternative services like Wise. You might find you can save money - and get your payment all set up seamlessly without needing to leave home.